New York City

The novel takes place in various places in New York City. This setting is important because the city symbolizes a number of things for the main character, Craig. His early years were spent in Manhattan, which still stands as a symbol of success for him. Manhattan is connected to Brooklyn, where he currently lives, by a bridge and Craig imagines that when he is an adult, he will cross that bridge, both literally and figuratively, and make his mark on the world.

Manhattan is also the setting for Executive Pre-Professional High School, the prestigious school Craig attends. Although no scenes take place there, the school looms large in the plot because of Craig's obsession with getting accepted and its role in the emotional distress that lands him in a psychiatric hospital.

Aaron's Apartment

Several of the book's scenes are set in the Manhattan apartment in which...